THE DECEMBER 2009 PRIORITY DATES
By Michael J. Gurfinkel Esq.
Petitions by Citizens:
The priority date for the First Preference Category, F-1 (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, over 21 years of age) moved forward by 10 days from October 22, 1993 to November 1, 1993.
The Third Preference Category, F-3 (married sons and daughters of United States citizens) priority date moved forward by 24 days from October 22, 1991 to November 15, 1991.
The Fourth Preference, F-4 (brothers and sisters of United States citizens) priority date moved forward by 2 months and 7 days from January 15, 1987 to March 22, 1987.
Petitions by Green Card Holders:
The Second Preference, F-2A (Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder) moved forward by 2 months and 17 days from August 15, 2005, to November 1, 2005.
The Second Preference, F-2B (unmarried sons and daughters, over 21 years of age, of green card holders) moved forward by 1 month and 16 days from May 15, 1998, to July 1, 1998.
Petitions by Employers:
The Third Preference (professionals and skilled workers) of Employment-Based Petitions (Labor Certification) priority date remained the same at June 1, 2002. The priority date for unskilled (other) workers also remained the same at June 1, 2001.
Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes the priority dates for that particular month. This means that visas (or green cards) would now be available for persons whose priority date is earlier than the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current”, but retrogressed (or became “unavailable”) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again.
The December 2009 priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:
FAMILY CATEGORY: |
|
Priority Date: |
First Preference |
Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (over 21 years of age) |
November 1, 1993
(In November 2009, the priority date was October 22, 1993.) |
Second Preference |
(2A) Spouse and minor children (below 21 years old) of green card holder |
November 1, 2005
(In November 2009, the priority date was August 15, 2005.) |
|
(2B) Unmarried sons and daughters (over 21 years old) of green card holder |
July 1, 1998
(In November 2009, the priority date was May 15, 1998.) |
Third Preference |
Married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens |
November 15, 1991
(In November 2009, the priority date was October 22, 1991.) |
Fourth Preference |
Brothers and sisters of U.S. Citizens. |
March 22, 1987
(In November 2009, the priority date was January 15, 1987.) |
LABOR CERTIFICATION: |
Third Preference |
Professional/Skilled Workers |
June 1, 2002
(In November 2009, the priority date was the same.) |
Other workers |
Non-Skilled Workers |
June 1, 2001
(In November 2009, the priority date was the same.) |
WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com
Four offices to serve you:
PHILIPPINES: 894-0258 or 894-0239;
LOS ANGELES; SAN FRANCISCO; NEW YORK:
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-866-GURFINKEL (1-866-487-3465)
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